October 26, 2026 at 5:00 PM - DOUGLAS SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF EDUCATION

Rationale:  According to SDCL 13-27-3.1, any person who is required to cause any child to attend any public school in this state shall, either at the time of enrollment or within thirty days of initial enrollment, provide a certified copy of the child's birth certificate. A violation of this section is a Class 2 misdemeanor.  SDCL 13-27-3.3 provides that those not complying be reported to the school board.  If not corrected within thirty days after the report, the state's attorney shall be notified.

Rationale: 

Douglas School District is excited to introduce a Teacher of the Year recognition program to celebrate outstanding teachers and the positive impact they make on students, families, and our school community. The program will recognize excellence in instructional practices, professional growth, dedication to the teaching profession, positive relationships, and community involvement.

The process will include selecting building representatives, identifying one elementary and one secondary representative in collaboration for the American Legion recognition program, and convening a committee to select the District Teacher of the Year to advance to the South Dakota Teacher of the Year program.

Rationale: 

Title I comparability requires the Douglas School District to provide comparable educational services using state and local funds in schools within applicable grade-span groups, without counting additional services funded through Title I.

The Board is asked to approve the district’s annual comparability assurances, affirming that the district:

• Implements a district-wide salary schedule without regard to Title I funding.

• Ensures equivalent staffing supported by state and local funds among applicable schools.

• Provides equivalent curriculum materials and instructional supplies without regard to Title I funding.

Administration will maintain the supporting documentation and submit the required assurances and comparability report to the South Dakota Department of Education by November 20, 2026.

Rationale:  After reviewing materials submitted as part of the RFQ process for a Construction Manager at Risk, a district committee interviewed the top two firms.  Following those interviews and a review of the scoring rubric, the committee recommends hiring Gustafson Builders to serve as their CMaR.  The district will work with Gustafson Builders to begin finalizing a formal contract that will be brought to the board for approval at a later date.  

Rationale:  JHCC-R revises the head lice (pediculosis) attendance rule, so students are no longer excluded for live lice or nits alone, in line with current health guidance, while the school nurse continues to notify families and give treatment guidance. GCN updates the teacher evaluation policy to reflect South Dakota evaluation requirements and current District practice. IGBD is a new policy that sets out the District’s annual Title I, Part A comparability procedures and certification, which the District must complete to remain eligible for federal Title I funds.

Rationale:  Revising Policy JECAA will reflect how the District currently places students and awards credit when they enroll from unaccredited schools or alternative instruction, including the roles of the Central Registrar, principal and credit review committee. The revision would update the placement testing and credit review steps, clarify the appeal process and its timelines, and replace outdated wording such as "Complainant" so the procedures are clear to families and consistent with state law. Making these updates keeps the policy accurate and consistent for every student and gives staff clear, current guidance when they place and credit students.